European grocer predict higher vegetable consumption in 2040

Albertsons is the fastest-growing retailer in US

Market share of Aldi grows in AU - ResearchThe latest Supermarket Currency report from Roy Morgan Research shows Australia’s grocery buyers spent $90.3bn at supermarkets during the 12 months to March 2017. Of that, $32.2bn was spent at Woolworths (35.7% of the market, down from 36.3% in the year to September 2016) and $30.0bn at Coles (33.2%, unchanged). Aldi claimed $11.9bn of grocery buyers’ expenditure during the year (13.2%, up from 12.5%), stretching its lead over IGA which fell to $8.4bn (9.3%, down from 9.8%). The combined share of other supermarkets rose from 8.1% to 8.6%, or $7.8bn. (roymorgan.com) Canada’s grocers slow market share loss to international retailersWhile international retailers Costco and Walmart have gobbled up a growing share of Canadian food sales for more than a decade, further gains are expected to be tougher to eke out as the country’s traditional grocers mount an improved defence. Industry watchers say the price gap between the two sides has narrowed and the traditional stores’ loyalty programs are helping support sales. (canadiangrocer.com)

Albertsons is the fastest-growing retailer in USData from the National Retail Federation shows Albertsons, Sprouts Farmers Market and Southeastern Grocers are the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S, reports Retail Info Systems. Albertsons, Sprouts and SE Grocers have seen five-year annual sales growth of 74.1%, 47.4% and 34.6%, respectively. Albertsons, with more than $60bn in revenue, is rumored to be looking to purchase organic and natural food retailers Whole Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market. (fooddive.com) US: Aldi earns high grades for school health effortsPlease, click here to read more at drugstorenews.com

European grocer predicts higher vegetable comsuption in 2040Norwegian retailer ICA has released a new report, 100 years ahead, following a survey and interviews with children born in the decade following the year 2000, highlighting their attitudes and approach to food in the future. On the view of food in 2040, key findings were 'that it is environmentally friendly (54%), healthy (52%) and good (46%). Other highlights include:

59% believe that we will eat more herbs and edible plants in the future.

68% think we will eat more locally produced food in the future.

62% believe that we will eat more vegetarian by 2040.

Only 11% believe that we will eat more meat in the future.

42% believe that we will grow more vegetables at home in the future.

Source (igd.com)

Spar International growing at its fastest rate in 10 yearsRetail group Spar International has posted sales of €33.1bn for 2016, with growth driven by its global expansion programme. These figures represent an increase in retail sales of 4.5% on a constant currency basis. Its international manager director said the brand is growing at its fastest rate in 10 years. The retailer recorded strong growth in Spar's western European markets, with sales in its nine Eurozone countries increasing to €15bn.

Retail sales in eastern Europe grew by 6.5%, and in Russia by 7.7%. There was also sustained growth in Africa and the Middle East, where Spar now has a presence in 15 markets. Click here to read more at esmmagazine.com.

Eat-in supermarkets becoming more popular in JapanSome retailers in Japan are moving toward the US "grocerant" model, as grocery stores build and expand dining areas, reports Asian Nikkei. Japanese retail group Aeon will expand dining areas at its domestic stores. Within three years, group unit Aeon Retail plans to double to around 150 of its stores with spaces seating at least 50. Most of its 360 stores already have dining spaces, but only for 20 to 30 people. (undercurrentnews.com) Serbia's Gomex plans to open 27 new stores in 2017Serbian grocery retailer Gomex has reported turnover of €83m for full year 2016, up 9% on the previous year (€76m). Net profit at the group fell €700,000, mainly due to increased salaries, while capex reached a record high of €5.14m. The retailer plans to open 25 new stores in Belgrade and Central Serbia in 2017. (esmmagazine.com)

Tesco free fruit boosts fruit consumption Tesco’s ground-breaking ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative has proved a real hit with children and parents, after the retailer revealed it has given out 20 million pieces of free fruit since its launch in July last year. New research by Tesco and Mumsnet has highlighted the positive effect the initiative has had, with a third of participating parents saying their children have eaten more fruit thanks to the scheme. (eprretailnews.com)